LET'S WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE!
LET'S WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE!
Tree Of Hope
About the Tree
For the past 25 years, the Tree of Hope has been a significant symbol of inspiration and hope in the Landmark District. Originally intended to be a single event, the tree has continued to be lit every year since 1997, undergoing several changes over time.
Now standing over 120 feet tall, the Tree of Hope boasts approximately 25,000 energy-efficient LED bulbs. It has become a beloved community tradition in Kelowna, drawing thousands of people annually. What makes the Tree of Hope so special is that it has become a powerful symbol of positivity, representing the charitable and giving nature of Kelowna's community.
Through a partnership with the tenants of Landmark District and TD Canada Trust, the Tree of Hope donates funds each year to local charitable organizations, raising awareness of important issues and helping support causes in need. To date, millions of dollars have been contributed to charities across Canada.
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Visit the Tree
Located at the Tree of Hope Plaza at Landmark 7!
1700 Dickson Avenue - in the heart of Landmark District.
The Tree of Hope is lit from November 24th, 2023 through to January 5th, 2024.
Raising Hope
The Tree of Hope has evolved from a single event to a community tradition, becoming an iconic symbol for philanthropy and kindness in Kelowna. Its partnership with the Landmark District and TD Canada Trust, the Tree of Hope has resulted in millions of dollars donated to local charities across Canada.
RAISING HOPE, in partnership with the Landmark District, TD Canada Trust, and the Stober Foundation, seeks to shed light on a complex social issue facing our community while promoting compassion, generosity, and gratitude.
In 2022, the co-recipients were the YMCA of the Southern Interior and BGC Okanagan. These organizations received over $1,000,000 in capital funding via the Stober Foundation in order to better support families in the community through quality programming.
The 2023 Tree of Hope charity recipient will be announced October 1st, 2023!
This History of the Tree
For the past 25 years, the Tree of Hope, a focal point in the Landmark District, has been a bright symbol of inspiration and hope to our community. However, Kelowna residents are likely unaware of the unique story of how the tree came to be!
It all started with a 160-foot construction crane standing idle next to the completed shell of the Landmark 2 Tower in 1997. "What if we could dangle a giant Christmas tree from the lifting hook of the crane?" Al Stober wondered. Inspired, he drew a little sketch on a napkin at a local restaurant. He showed the drawing to his sons, Ken and Mark, and before they left the restaurant, a plan was in place. By early December that year, the tree was finished, casting its glorious radiance across the city - a glowing reminder of the spirit of the Christmas season.
The tree now stands over 120 feet tall and has approximately 25,000 LED energy-efficient bulbs. Over the years, the Tree of Hope has become a community tradition in Kelowna, attended by thousands of people each year. The magic of the Tree of Hope is that it has become an iconic symbol for good. Not only does it light up our city with holiday spirit, it has also become a beacon for philanthropy and symbolizes Kelowna as a community known for its kindness and charitable giving.
Our family never would have believed that hanging a Christmas tree from the top of the crane in 1997 would become an annual event celebrating hope in our community. But knowing how this community rallies behind good, it's no surprise this tree continues to be so meaningful to so many!
To date, over $2,000,000 has been donated to charities within our community!
Ken Stober
Lighting the Tree of Hope each year brings so much pride and joy to my life because we are able to continue Al’s vision of creating a tangible focus of inspiration and hope for thousands of people in our community each year. The Tree of Hope represents so much more than just the holidays. It represents community, connectedness, and collaboration. It’s a celebration of what we can achieve and inspire when we all come together as one.
Ken Stober, Director
The Stober Group
Carolyn Stober
Each and every year I eagerly look forward to the evening of the magical light up of the Tree of Hope. It has become a highlight of the year for myself and my family and has become the unofficial launch of the Christmas season in Kelowna! For me, the Tree of Hope ignites a joyful optimism reminding me that we are not alone in the challenges we face, and how we face them together as a community.
Carolyn Stober, Director
The Stober Group
Keith Brewster
The Tree of Hope is my absolute favourite event of the year. We have the privilege of inviting our community to the Landmark District and celebrating connection, collaboration, and community philanthropy via the Stober Foundation. Kelowna is quite simply the best place to live, and what makes it so special are the people who live here.
Keith Brewster, Lead Philanthropist
The Stober Foundation
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The Next Generation of Family Philanthropy
The Stober Foundation was created to help those in need. We are tremendously blessed to be in the fortunate position to help others, and we are looking to provide support and opportunities for change through our strategic philanthropic partnerships. In doing so, we aim to partner with progressive, game-changing charities with a proven track record and the ability to maximize opportunities and better outcomes, ultimately improving the lives of many through their success. We are here to steward with grace, effectively, and with great impact.